So, you’re headed to New York for Christmas and are looking for a place to stay. I’ve got you covered.
I live here and love to visit the hotels, have a drink in the lobby bar or a meal in a restaurant, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
THE BEST HOTEL IN NYC AT CHRISTMAS
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best choice is the awesome Lotte New York Palace.
Many hotels in New York go all out for Christmas and staying in one of them can really add to your experience.
While I haven’t stayed in all these hotels (since I live in new York), I have visited the lobbies (and a bar or two 😜) wherever possible at Christmas time. I’ve also comprehensively reviewed each of them, poring through guest reviews and their websites, so that I can compare them all and provide an easy-to-read summary for you.
Based on my visits and detailed research, here are the ones that I think are the best hotels in NYC at Christmas.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Hotels in NYC for Christmas
Simply want to book the best option? Save time with my top 3 picks below.
#1 TOP PICK
Best for travelers wanting a luxe Christmas experience at a reasonable price.
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#2 PICK
Best for people who want a convenient base to explore the nearby markets and lights.
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#3 PICK
Comparison of the Best Hotels in New York: Christmas
I’ve reviewed all my top picks in detail below, but here you can quickly and easily see them all, so it’s easy to compare:
Top Picks for Best Hotels in New York for Christmas
Don’t have time to read this whole guide to the best hotels to stay in NYC for Christmas? Here are my top picks:
| CATEGORY | NAME | LOCATION |
| Best Overall Hotel | Lotte New York Palace | Midtown |
| Best Luxury Hotel | The Plaza | Midtown |
| Best Mid-Range Hotel | Arlo SoHo | Soho |
| Best Budget Hotel | Hotel Indigo Lower East Side | Lower East Side |
| Best Hotel for Families | Lotte New York Palace | Midtown |
| Best Location | Bryant Park Hotel | Midtown |
| Best Splurge | The Peninsula New York Hotel | Midtown |
Where to Stay in NYC for Christmas
Most of the Christmas festivities in New York are in Midtown Manhattan, so this is a good place to stay. Many of the hotels listed here are in Midtown.
You’ll notice that I haven’t listed any places in Times Square. It’s also in Midtown, so nearby, but it’s the most crowded part of New York, so, while of course you have to visit there, it’s not actually the best place to stay.
Besides, it’s actually not ‘Christmas Central’. That honor belongs to Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue.
Staying near or on Central Park is also really nice. Central Park South is still in Midtown, but if you get a room overlooking the park, you’ll enjoy one of the most iconic views in the City.
If you prefer to be somewhere a little less touristy, then the Lower East Side is an interesting mix of hip and some remnants of old school New York, when this area was mostly for Jewish immigrants. In the 70’s and 80’s, the LES was dangerous, but these days it’s very safe and you’ll really get a feel for New York if you stay here.
Soho is also in lower Manhattan and is a shopping mecca (and fairly close to the Union Square Holiday Markets). The cast iron buildings and cobblestone streets add a lot of charm and character to this neighborhood. It does get very crowded during the day. But if you can get up early, wandering the streets of Soho without the crowds is one of my favorite things to do. Some of the streets have holiday lights above them.
Further downtown, around City Hall, you’re getting into the Financial District. The entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge is here, as well as Wall Street. And Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan (and the ferries to the Statue of Liberty) are not far. This area can be quiet at night, though nowhere in Manhattan is ever completely dead.
Off the far west of Manhattan, just south of Midtown, is the High Line and the Meat Packing District. This used to be dangerous and filled with meat packing warehouses, but today, although the name of the neighborhood persists, it’s a trendy area of upmarket stores and restaurants.
Just north of this, in west Midtown is the fairly new complex, Hudson Yards. Here you’ll find the mid-boggling art installation The Vessel, which you can walk on. There’s also an upmarket shopping mall, Little Spain restaurants and markets, a theater, and lots of sparkly Christmas lights.
You might get a nice view of the Hudson River from your hotel room in Hudson Yards. This is also home to The Edge, an observation deck that hangs out over the edge of the 100th floor, with stunning Manhattan views.
Of course, you can also stay across the Hudson River in New Jersey, where accommodation is usually cheaper, or across the East River in Brooklyn or Queens. But if you want to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, I really recommend staying in Manhattan.
Top 11 Best NYC Hotels for Christmas
1. Lotte New York Palace Review
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY, 10022
I’m the only one who has this hotel as their favorite. It has the highest guest reviews of any hotel on this list, and is surprisingly reasonably priced (for New York at Christmas time). They also go all out for the holidays.
The magic starts as you walk through an archway decorated with garlands and lights and approach their beautifully-decorated Christmas tree in the front courtyard.
Inside is just as beautiful. There’s another Christmas tree and more sparkly decorations. They also have an enormous gingerbread house replica of the hotel.
The hotel has a lounge with bar, a cafe, a snack bar, 2 restaurants (where breakfast is available for an additional fee), a business center, a spa, and a gym. Valet parking is available onsite.
You can bring your pet dog, though there’s an additional nightly fee.
Services available include free bicycle rental (if you’re brave enough to ride around NYC), babysitting (for a fee), laundry service (fee), and concierge services.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The hotel is decorated beautifully for the holidays, the staff are friendly and helpful, the price is low for a luxury hotel of this quality, and the location is great.
The Worst Parts
If you prefer modern décor, you may be disappointed. You need to pay for WiFi (a pet peeve of mine).
This is the perfect choice for …
People seeking old world charm and luxury at a reasonable price.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
2. Bryant Park Hotel Review
Address: 40 W 40th St, New York, NY, 10018
The hotel is a gorgeous black and gold art deco building that used to be the American Radiator Building (also known as the American Standard Building). The original section of the American Radiator Building, a 338 feet-tall, 23-story tower, was completed in 1924. A five-story annex, to the west of the original tower, was built from 1936 to 1937.
Fun fact: The original radiator showroom in the basement is Célon Bar & Lounge.
So a stay here is being part surrounded by New York’s history.
The hotel is also across the street from Bryant Park, which is one of the central places in New York at Christmas. The park is home to the Winter Village, where there’s a large holiday market, an ice-skating rink, cozy igloos, and even iceless curling. I love that the hotel is so close to the action.
Also across the street is the New York Public Library and Fifth Avenue is half a block away, so this hotel is super convenient.
There’s onsite and offsite parking, a gym, laundry facilities (great for families), a lounge bar, a cocktail bar in the basement, and a sushi restaurant overlooking the garden.
Services available include luggage storage, laundry service (for a fee), and concierge services.
The hotel is smoke free and does not allow pets.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The location is hard to beat, especially at Christmas time (try to get a room with a view of the park). The staff is friendly and the cocktail bar is popular.
The Worst Parts
Because the hotel used to be an office building, the rooms can vary quite a lot.
This is the perfect choice for …
People wanting to stay right in the heart of the NYC Christmas action.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
3. The Plaza Hotel Review
Address: 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10019
You may recognize The Plaza from the “Eloise” children’s books. The hotel is a New York institution and one of the best places to stay in New York at Christmas time. The lobby is decorated beautifully for Christmas, really creating a festive feel. They even have their own Santa!
They have an Eloise shop (!) where you can buy all sorts of Eloise-related merch, as well as a boutique and other shops including a hair salon and winter pop ups.
Their most famous restaurant is The Palm Court, but there’s also a champagne bar. And a food court if you’re looking for something cheaper. There’s a spa, too, of course, as well as a gym, and a business center.
They have free WiFi (yay!), valet onsite parking, and an onsite electric car charging station. You can bring up to 2 pets (for no additional charge).
Services available include laundry service (fee), bicycle rental, concierge service, and babysitting (for a fee).
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The staff get great reviews, it’s surprisingly pet and family-friendly (with roll-away beds and free cots available). The location on Fifth Avenue and Central Park is hard to beat.
The Worst Parts
Guests who aren’t white have sometimes noticed overzealous security guards profiling them as they entered the hotel. Some of the rooms need a refurbishment.
This is the perfect choice for …
People who want to stay in an iconic New York hotel that has a convenient location.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
4. The Peninsula New York Hotel Review
Address: 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th street, New York, NY, 10019
If you’re looking for old world charm dressed up especially for the holidays, The Peninsula is the perfect choice. The hotel goes all out for Christmas, with façade lit up with green and red lights, the main entrance decorated, and the lobby and hallways decked out with several trees, garlands, presents, lights and baubles. They also have their own Santa and even have carolers!
There’s a restaurant with a bar, as well as the lounge, and a rooftop terrace and (enclosed) bar with incredible views. There’s a gym and spa (including a sauna and steam room), as well an indoor pool. Free newspapers are available, but there’s also a 24-hour newsstand/ gift shop, as well as a hair salon
WiFi is free and there’s an electric car charging station on site. Valet parking is available (but expensive).
Pets are welcome (for an additional fee). It’s surprisingly family friendly – there are laundry facilities, and a microwave and fridge are available on request.
Services include laundry/ dry cleaning (fee), concierge services, and even a proposal package if you want to pop the question!
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The location on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street is perfect for Christmas. The staff and service are great.
The Worst Parts
The hotel is a little old fashioned and the rooms are different configurations, so may be different from pictures online.
This is the perfect choice for …
Couples or families looking for a decadent stay in a very Christmassy hotel with a great location.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
5. The St. Regis New York Review
Address: Two East 55th St, New York, NY, 10022
The St Regis is across Fifth Avenue from the Peninsula and has a similar old world feel. The hotel also decorates beautifully for the holidays, with garlands, lights and trees in the public areas.
In addition to a the lobby lounges, there are also a couple of restaurants to choose from.
WiFi is free. There’s onsite self-parking and valet parking (for an additional fee), and an electric car charging station. There’s a gym, business center, laundry facilities, ATM, florist, and hair salon.
Laundry/ dry-cleaning service and concierge services are available.
They have a resident dog, Kitty (though guests are not allowed to bring pets – though service animals are OK).
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
Great location. Great staff and service. Old world charm.
The Worst Parts
The hotel is in a beautiful historical building, but this means that some rooms can be noisy (street noise) or have a musty smell. It’s not especially family or pet friendly.
This is the perfect choice for …
People who want a slice of upscale old New York with a great location.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
6. The Beekman Review
Address: 123 Nassau Street, New York, NY, 10038
The Beekman is downtown, so away from the main Midtown Christmas attractions. However, it’s very close to the Brooklyn Bridge, and a short subway ride away from Midtown. The hotel is in a gorgeous 19th century Beaux Arts building.
The lobby’s furnished in dark wood and, with dim lighting, feels like staying in an old lodge or library. Antique and unique pieces give it a lot of character. It’s a very, warm cozy place to shelter from the cold December weather. They have a tree, and some decorations.
There’s a huge 9-story atrium with a pyramidal skylight and with rooms all around it on multiple levels.
If you really want to splurge, try to book one of the turret penthouses – they’re in the roofs of the turrets and have private patios. Amazing!
There are three beautifully decorated restaurants, including a gorgeous basement cocktail bar. There’s also a terrace and a garden.
There’s free WiFi, and onsite valet parking (very not free). There’s a gym.
It’s fairly pet and family friendly. Dogs up to 35 pounds stay free (larger dogs aren’t welcome, though). There’s a baby-sitting service (for a fee), laundry facilities, and free cribs.
Dry cleaning/ laundry and concierge services are available.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The staff are friendly. The public areas have lots of character and charm and the stunning nine-story atrium offers a unique architectural experience.
The Worst Parts
You can hear street noise in some of the rooms (not uncommon in NYC, but if you’re used to no noise, this can be annoying). The hotel’s Financial District location, while convenient for downtown attractions, requires a 15-minute subway ride to reach Midtown, where most of the Christmas attractions are.
This is the perfect choice for …
Travelers seeking a blend of historic charm and modern luxury in a centrally located Manhattan hotel.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
7. The Standard, High Line Review
Address: 848 Washington St, New York, NY, 10014
I remember when The Standard opened a few years back. It stands out, because it sits atop the High Line. And every room has floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows. This gives incredible views from the rooms – but it also gives views OF the rooms.
It became infamous for exhibitionist guests baring all for all to see. That seems to have died down – but it is worth noting that those great views also mean a certain lack of privacy!
During the holiday season, the hotel hosts special events such as “Not Your Standard Bingo: Holiday Edition,” featuring themed games every Sunday in December, and “Pix on the Plaza: Holiday Edition,” showcasing iconic holiday films with complimentary hot cocoa on Mondays.
Additionally, the hotel often collaborates on unique holiday decorations, like the MCM x The Standard Christmas Tree, unveiled in early December.
The Standard has 3 restaurants, a rooftop cocktail bar (with amazing views), a lobby lounge, and a cafe.
Onsite and offsite parking are available (and the price isn’t too bad for parking in NYC). WiFi is free. Pets can also stay for free. There’s a gym, gift shop/ newsstand and an ATM.
Dry cleaning/ laundry and concierge services are available.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows, so they all have incredible panoramic views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. It’s right next to (actually literally over) the High Line park and within easy walking distance to attractions like the Whitney Museum and Chelsea Market.
The Worst Parts
The hotel’s nightlife venues, such as the rooftop bar Le Bain, can be noisy, especially on weekends. The minimalist room design, including open-concept bathrooms with clear glass partitions, gives a lack privacy that not everyone loves.
This is the perfect choice for …
Travelers who want a trendy atmosphere with stunning city views and proximity to cultural attractions.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
8. Arlo SoHo Review
Address: 231 Hudson Street, New York, NY, 10013
Arlo is a small chain of trendy boutique hotels. There are three in NYC, but I like the Soho one.
It has a very modern aesthetic. The rooms are on the small side, but they’re well-designed to maximize storage and living space. Some (certainly not all) rooms include bunk bed rooms – a nice option if you’re traveling with kids and want to have your own separate room.
During the holiday season, the hotel’s speakeasy bar, Foxtail, transforms into a cozy winter wonderland, with holiday-themed cocktails and décor.
The hotel’s location in SoHo is convenient for all the great Christmas shopping in Soho.
There’s a courtyard with bookable cabins, a rooftop bar, a small store, and a restaurant, and a library lounge. They have onsite self-parking. There are laundry facilities and a hair salon.
WiFi is free. No pets are allowed.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The friendly and helpful staff, and the rooftop bar with scenic views are highlights. Soho isn’t Christmas central, but it does have the best shopping in New York, so this is a great place to stay if you plan to do a lot of Christmas shopping!
The Worst Parts
The rooms are small.
The location is in Soho and on Hudson Street, but it’s right down at Canal Street, which is a bit away from the action. If you’re a walker, walk up Hudson Street, which has loads of adorable shops that are really decked out for Christmas.
This is the perfect choice for …
People looking for a stylish, contemporary hotel with efficient room design and fun public spaces in Lower Manhattan.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
9. Ritz Carlton New York, Central Park Review
Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, NY, 10019
I love this hotel’s location. Still in Midtown, so it’s close to the main Christmas attractions, but just across the road from Central Park.
During the holiday season, the hotel is fully decked out for the holidays, including a beautifully decorated Christmas tree featuring custom velvet bows with the iconic lion and crown emblem.
You can also enjoy special holiday-themed amenities, including in-room Christmas trees and exclusive FAO Schwarz ornaments to commemorate your stay.
There’s a lounge bar and a restaurant. There’s also a gym (with Pilates, fitness, and yoga classes) and spa, as well as an ATM, gift shop/ newsstand and business center.
WiFi is free. There’s onsite valet parking (at a fairly hefty fee).
Cats and dogs (up to 60 pounds) are welcome (for an additional fee – though service animals are exempt from the fee). Babysitting (for a fee) and free cribs are available.
Services include dry cleaning/ laundry and concierge services.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The location directly across from Central Park is amazing. Try to get a room with a park view! The staff and service are great.
The Worst Parts
The hotel lacks certain amenities commonly found in luxury accommodations, such as a swimming pool and extensive spa facilities (though there is a spa). Some of the rooms look a little old and need a refurb.
This is the perfect choice for …
Travelers seeking a luxurious stay with great service and proximity to the main Midtown Christmas and tourist attractions.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
10. Equinox Hotel New York Review
Address: 33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY, 10001
Equinox is most famous as a chain of high-end gyms. But they’ve branched into hotels.
So, it makes sense that the hotel has a focus on fitness. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center (with Pilates, fitness, and yoga classes), SoulCycle, indoor pool, (seasonal – so closed around Christmas) outdoor pool, barrel saunas, and a great spa.
I’ve included it as a great Christmas hotel not so much for the decor (their Christmas decorations exist, but are minimal), but because of its location in Hudson Yards.
Hudson Yards is home to The Vessel (a super cool art multi-story art installation that you can walk around), an upscale mall, some great restaurants (don’t miss Mercado Little Spain), The Edge (a viewing platform that extends out beyond the top of a skyscraper!) and a theater. They also go all out with Christmas lights, covering the trees in lights and lining the edges of The Vessel with lights.
The hotel has an outdoor terrace, a restaurant and a lounge.
There is onsite valet parking and some self-parking (for a fee). WiFi is free.
You can bring up to two pets that are maximum 25 pounds each (for an additional fee).
Services include a hair salon, laundry service, an ATM, and concierge services.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The rooms are sleek, spacious, and modern. The rooftop bar has great drinks and views. The fitness facilities are excellent.
The Worst Parts
Many of the amenities like swimming pools, cold plunge, jacuzzi, and steam room, while great, are limited to gym hours, which may not align with your schedule. Hudson Yards, while modern and upscale, can be less convenient for accessing other parts of New York City.
This is the perfect choice for …
Travelers who want a high-end, wellness-focused retreat in New York City, with access to premier fitness amenities and proximity to attractions like the High Line and Vessel.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
11. Hotel Indigo Lower East Side Review
Address: 171 Ludlow Street, New York, NY, 10002
This isn’t the most Christmassy of hotels, but I really like the Lower East Side, which has become trendy in recent years. And it’s at the cheapest hotel on this list, so good for budget-minded travelers.
It has a modern look, with a funky lobby mural that was created by graffiti legend Lee Quinones .
The rooftop bar and restaurant have sensational views. And you get a gift card to Katzs deli, the legendary Jewish deli that’s right next door.
Limited self-parking is available in the building next door.
There’s a gym and a small (seasonal – so not open at Christmas time) outdoor plunge pool on the roof terrace.
Pets are welcome (for an additional nightly fee), and you can request pet amenities such as a plush bed, bowls, a leash, and chew toys.
The hotel is smoke-free.
Dry cleaning/ laundry service is available. WiFi is free.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
The Best Parts
The hotel has a fun, modern atmosphere with spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and a nice location near local attractions.
The Worst Parts
You can hear noise from the rooftop bar and street in some rooms. The Lower East Side is a little away from the main Christmas action in Midtown.
This is the perfect choice for …
People on a budget who want to stay in a more authentic neighborhood than Midtown and like a more modern aesthetic.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
Map of the Best Christmas Hotels in NYC
Here you can easily see where all my picks for the best Christmas hotels in New York are.
Find more places to stay:
Enjoy your stay wherever you choose!
Do you have any other tip picks for the best NYC hotels at Christmas? Comment below.
If you liked this article about the best New York hotels at Christmas, Pin It to your Accommodations or Hotels board!
More Planning Resources for Christmas in New York
➡️ Ultimate Guide to Christmas in NYC
➡️ New York City Christmas Tree Guide
➡️ Ultimate New York Christmas Walking Tour
➡️ Where to see the New York City Christmas lights
➡️ The Best New York Holiday Markets
➡️ Where to find the best Ice Skating Rinks in NYC
➡️ Best Things to Do in New York City at Christmas
➡️ 10 Events Not to Miss in New York City During the Holidays
➡️ The Best NYC Christmas Tours
➡️ Check out my Gift Guide full of great New York City experiences.
About the author
James Ian has traveled to 83 countries and all 7 continents. He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture. He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters.